Problems With Neckline Slimmer

Ann MazzaferroUpdated March 23, 2017

Released in 2009, the Neckline Slimmer offers consumers a non-surgical method of reducing drooping skin and sagging jowls along the neck and jaw. Developed by physiotherapist Paul Younane, the Neckline Slimmer claims to work by targeting sagging neck skin through a series of resistance exercises using a small, spring-loaded pump tucked under the chin. While some photos seem to bolster its advertising's claims, the savvy consumer needs to do some background research before purchasing this product.

Faulty Science

The Neckline Slimmer asserts that three levels of resistance training will enable the customer to firm underlying neck muscles, leading to a tighter and more toned neckline. However, this argument is flawed according to a plastic surgeon contacted by Consumer Reports. According to the unnamed expert, "The device mainly exercises neck-flexor muscles that have nothing to do with a heavy neck or a double chin, usually due to loose skin and/or excess fat, which are not correctable with exercise." The most effective non-surgical way to reduce this excess skin would be through significant weight loss.

Credibility of Paul Younane

Though the Neckline Slimmer website claims that Paul Younane is a "world renowned physiotherapist" and former professional rugby player, little information exists on the Internet about Younane and his qualifications. His personal website is defunct, and the only information available beyond the Neckline Slimmer website is through Eckermann and Associates, a design firm that produced Younane's AbTech workout machine.

When Younane's website was still operating, a bulletin was posted which stated, "Paul is currently running a face firming and weight loss programme to trial his new product. Twenty ladies between 30 and 50 years have signed up to a 6-week programme of neck and face firming as well as losing a stone." It has been suggested that the neck firming regimen was the prototype of the Neckline Slimmer. Nowhere in the advertisements for this product was weight loss mentioned as a component for success.

Hidden Charges and Fees

Many consumer advocacy websites and forums list pages of complaints centring around hidden charges when ordering the Neckline Slimmer. Most report undisclosed shipping and handling charges, unwanted additions to the order, and inferior customer service. The Neckline Slimmer website does not address any of these claims aside from providing a customer service phone number.

Resources

About the Author

Hailing from California, Ann Mazzaferro is a professional writer who has written for "The Pacifican," "Calliope Literary Magazine" and presented at the National Undergraduate Literature Conference. Mazzaferro graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of the Pacific.